The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, recently hosted prominent political and cultural leaders at his ancestral home in Purongo, Nwoya District, to honor his late brother, Lt. Col. Patrick Opio Awany.
Lt. Col. Awany passed away two months ago in Somalia while serving in the Africa Transition Mission (ATMIS).
On Friday, Todwong and his family welcomed high-profile guests, including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Acholi Paramount Chief Rwot David Acana II, Teso Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, and the King of the Alur, Rwoth Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III.
In his remarks, Tayebwa commended the Awany family for their significant contributions to the nation’s peace and stability. “I am glad to be here with the family, most importantly to console with you. This family has given so much to our country. Seeing the people here in Northern Uganda enjoy peace and stability, I recognize the tremendous sacrifices you have made,” Tayebwa said. He also emphasized the need for economic self-reliance in Northern Uganda, encouraging the Acholi community to continue working towards economic development.
Todwong shared his reflections on the loss of his brother, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends and cultural leaders. “Our brother died on the day we were preparing to remember our late father. We thank God that we have remained strong, supported by friends like you and our cultural leaders,” Todwong stated, highlighting the importance of community solidarity during times of grief.
Rwot Acana II praised the Deputy Speaker for his leadership in addressing the concerns of the Acholi people. “I want to thank you for addressing the issues concerning the Acholi people. I am glad you are part of this family, which has been a unifying force for the people of Acholi on many occasions,” Rwot Acana said.
Emorimor Emolot offered his condolences to the Todwong family, acknowledging the sacrifice made by Lt. Col. Awany and emphasizing the unity among different cultural groups during times of loss. “Our hearts are with you during this time of grief. We honor the service and commitment Lt. Col. Awany showed to our nation,” Emolot said, underscoring the solidarity among Uganda’s diverse communities.
Similarly, Rwoth Rauni Olarker III expressed his sympathy, recognizing the impact of Lt. Col. Awany’s death on the nation. “We mourn with you for the loss of a brave son of Uganda. His legacy will inspire continued efforts towards peace and unity,” Rwoth Olarker noted, reaffirming the strong cultural ties that bind the communities of Northern Uganda.
Lt. Gen. Charles Otema, the Commander of the UPDF Reserve Forces and an elder brother of the late Lt. Col. Awany, also expressed his gratitude to those who attended the memorial. “I am very grateful to you for taking the time to visit us here. We lost our young brother, who was very dynamic and hardworking. We are grateful that you have come here to mourn with us,” Otema said, appreciating the support from both the community and leaders.
Among the distinguished guests were Hon. Emmanuel Omoding, MP of Serere County; the former Director General of the External Security Organisation, Hon. David Pulkol; and Counsel Severino Twinobusingye, among others.
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